Technical and metrological service improvement of measurement channels with flow-type transducers of ionic impurities for water chemical control in nuclear reactors

Improvement of sampling process, including sample taking, transport, and preparation, and optimization of on-line metrological maintenance on measuring chains containing flow-type sensors is very important for obtaining high quality information about NPP coolant water composition. Sample preparation and measurement errors almost cannot be eliminated by data processing in top level computers. For on-line measurements of the coolant water ion composition, nuclear plants commonly use sampling lines with gage pressure regulators provided at inlets of flow type sensors. The major part of sample fluid is drained via bypass outside the flow path through the sensors. A better alternative is to form flows at the inlets of flow type sensors using outlet pressure feedback devices. This sampling scheme ensures fully representative samples that are transported to the sensor inlets with a given time delay. In such a scheme, the sample fluid returns into the coolant system without change in composition. The paper presents test results for the prototype model of the pressure and flow control device. Alexandrov NITI has patented a method and apparatus for comprehensively calibrating measuring chains with flow type ion analyzers which are used in nuclear power plants to measure on line the ion composition of high-purity and other water streams. The patented dynamical method generates calibration solutions as binary electrolytes with a given analyte concentration. The method is easy to implement and requires no dosing equipment. Calibration solutions are generated directly in the water flow through the sampling line connected to the coolant line or high-purity water feed line. Unlike the concentration of buffer solutions used in pH measurements, the total ion concentration in generated electrolyte solutions is close to that in actual water streams at nuclear plants. With the proposed method and equipment, a reference pH value can be obtained with accuracy which is close to the accuracy of standard buffer preparation. Similar approaches were tested in experiments to produce a reference concentration of chloride and sulfate ions in sample streams. Results of statistical and metrological assessments are presented. The approaches described in the paper optimize the sampling schemes and controlled drain volumes, improve the operating and maintenance conditions of flow type ion sensors, and enhance the quality of measured data. (authors)